The Highland Gardener

ABOUT THE STORE

The Highland Gardener

Located in North Tallahassee, Florida, at Bannerman Crossings, The Highland Gardener is more than a floral design shop—it’s an atelier of artistry, intention, and refined floral expression. Walking through the doors offers a quiet escape into a curated world where natural beauty is elevated through elegant, unexpected design. The shop features a rotating collection of fresh, seasonal flowers, hand-tied bouquets, custom arrangements, and botanical curiosities. Each bloom is thoughtfully chosen, with a focus on novelty flowers, organic textures, and rare varieties that reflect our elevated aesthetic. You’ll also find unique potted plants, seasonal wreaths, dried arrangements, and artful accents for home and gifting. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking something beautiful for the everyday, The Highland Gardener offers a place of inspiration, connection, and timeless floral design—crafted with care and intention right here in the heart of Tallahassee. We welcome you to visit, linger, and let flowers speak for you.

ABOUT THE OWNER

Catherine

Catherine Shock is the creative force behind The Highland Gardener, a luxury floral design atelier celebrated for its sophisticated, garden-inspired aesthetic and poetic sensibility. With an intuitive eye for composition and a reverence for the emotive power of flowers, Catherine brings over two decades of floral artistry shaped by diverse cultural influences and vibrant cityscapes. A Milwaukee native, Catherine began designing at the age of 15 alongside her Scottish-born mother, who ran a successful wedding and corporate floral studio. Immersed in her family’s rich Scottish heritage and a natural flair for European design, she was introduced early to the rigors of large-scale floral productions—assisting with more than 80 weddings annually and floral installations for prestigious clients such as Harley-Davidson, Miller Brewing Company, and luxury hotels and restaurants. These formative years instilled in her a foundation of creativity, discipline, and timeless elegance. After earning a degree in Economics with a Business minor from Florida State University, Catherine cultivated a parallel career in finance. Later, she formalized her floral education with a Certificate in Floral Design, mastering technical disciplines across wedding, sympathy, novelty, and seasonal design. Her design journey continued in Chicago, where she was deeply inspired by the city’s elevated floral aesthetics and refined visual language. Back in Milwaukee, she expanded her craft while designing for several high-end floral boutiques. In Tampa, she honed her skill for grandeur and detail, working with a luxury florist known for lavish, couture arrangements. These immersive experiences across metropolitan markets continue to shape her deeply layered, romantic, and intentional design style. Catherine has owned and operated floral businesses in both Wisconsin and Florida, serving a discerning clientele that includes Florida State University, Hotel Duval, the Governor’s Club, the Mayor’s residence, and private clients across Tallahassee, Santa Rosa Beach, and Thomasville, Georgia. With The Highland Gardener, Catherine has come full circle—merging her entrepreneurial spirit and creative lineage into a refined floral atelier rooted in European traditions, story-driven design, and rare botanical specimens. Each arrangement is more than a centerpiece—it is a sensorial experience: lush, layered, and emotionally resonant. Catherine has come full circle, opening a floral shop as a tribute to both her creative lineage and entrepreneurial spirit. Her design style draws inspiration from European floral traditions, garden-grown blooms, and an affinity for rare, specialty botanicals. Each arrangement tells a story—lush, thoughtful, and emotionally layered. Catherine is drawn to the joy of helping others celebrate life’s most cherished moments through the language of flowers.